From May 19 to June 1, law enforcement officers throughout New Jersey will be stepping up enforcement and education of the state’s primary seat belt law as part of the nationwide Click It or Ticket mobilization.

The goal of the program is to increase the statewide seat belt usage rate to 93 percent.  Last year, the seat belt usage rate in New Jersey rose for the 11th consecutive year, to 91.4 percent.

In 2007, there were 716 motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey. A large percentage of the victims were not wearing a seat belt. Seat belt use saves lives and prevents injuries nationwide, saving $585 billion in medical and other costs.

Use is especially important for teens and young adults.  Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people age 15 to 34 in the United States.

During the mobilization period, local police agencies will conduct a zero tolerance seat belt enforcement campaign.

Motorists who are not buckled up will be issued a ticket. In addition, concerted efforts are going on locally and statewide to raise awareness about the importance and life-saving benefits of seat belts.

“High visibility enforcement saves lives,” said Pamela Fischer, director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.  “Our goal is to make sure that all motor vehicle occupants are properly restrained, on every trip.”
Tom Louizou, regional administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said, “Tickets are a strong deterrent and the results are meaningful: fewer deaths on our roads.”